Another blend I obtained on a trade with Gentleman Zombie, who is a testament to the magnanimity of the pipe smoking community; I can't give the guy a big enough thank you!

I received this in a zip-lock bag, so it's not been laden with moisture whilst sealed in the tin. Result! It appears more like a standard ribbon, than a broken flake. On a whole, it's a dark brown; there's flecks of light and black, but in general it's simply dark brown.

The Latakia has quite a phlegmatic style, it's tasty, but not overly smoky. The black Cavendish enhances the placidity by giving a touch of soft, vanilla cream. The Burley and Virginia form a solid base for V.B., but as these aren't at all caustic they don't interfere with the calmer style, that much. The only negative, really, with Virginia Blend, is that it can burn a bit quick.

The nicotine's medium, and the room-note's nice.

This is a good blend, but due to the speed, and slight tongue bite, I'll refrain from four stars. Three stars!

Very little Virginia influence for something called Virginia Blend. Regardless, it's a very good smoke. The Lat is lightly smoked allowing it's Oriental qualities to come through. It combines with the Burley to give a sour, woody, nutty note with just a touch of earth and smoke. The Black Cav brings a very mild sweetness and a touch of vanilla. The Virginias lend a touch of hay. Very smooth and burns cool in spite of burning quickly. Pretty nice.

A nice compliment to JA's English Mixture, this blend has a lot to offer. Makes one feel like they are sipping champagne. Slightly smoky with a very noticeable but not overpowering Latakia note. A pinch sweeter than EM (Brutt-like). Can smoke slightly hot so tamper ever so often. This a stronger blend but not intolerable to the pallate. I'm torn between these two blends because they are quite good and very reasonably priced. Room note is hard to describe but won't offend/toasty and warm. Dryer flavor in the briar but then again I lean more toward a cob. Only drawback, doesn't smoke as well in very cold weather. Highly recommended.